Classes, Workshops & Events

Pictured above: Angela teaching permaculture and soil health in San Juan Island, Washington
Location: FarmLuxe // Photo by Sara Parsons
Introduction to Permaculture Class
Permaculture is a practice of farming and gardening that strives to mimic patterns already found in nature. It is a movement surrounding a series of principles designed to care for the earth with the belief that in return, the earth will then care for its people. Permaculture is not a new idea, but rather has been practiced around the world for centuries. This two-hour introduction to permaculture class will teach you the basic tenets and principles of permaculture, and how to put them into practice in your own farm or garden. Learn to read your site and gather data so can make informed sustainable solutions growing or farming solutions.

Date & Time
May 3, 2025 / 9:00am-11:00am EST
​
Location & Cost
FREE event (registration required, button below)
​Whittemore 
​7 Rockaway Road
​Oldwick, New Jersey 08858
www.whittemoreccc.org
The Children's Companion Garden Workshop
Did you know that plants have friends? Just like humans, plants are happier and produce more fruit when planted with friends that they love! In this class we'll be looking at the indigenous Three Sisters Garden. Children will learn the relationship between corn, beans, and squash and will get to start their own Three Sisters' seeds! And we'll learn about the surprise fourth sister that sometimes makes an appearance.

Date & Time
June 21, 2025 / 9:00am-11:00am EST
​
Location & Cost
FREE event (registration required, link coming soon)
​Whittemore 
​7 Rockaway Road
​Oldwick, New Jersey 08858
​www.whittemoreccc.org
​
A Discussion on the Permaculture Flock with Metzer Farms

Description
Your flock can offer so much more than just eggs and meat! Join Katy and Marc Metzer of Metzer Farms and Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe & Root Homestead in an informative conversation-style webinar about all of the services and utility that a flock can provide to your farm or homestead. We're going beyond the typical uses of eggs and meat and talking about pest control, weeding, alarm calling, and more. Plus a discussion on whether chickens, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl might be the best fit for you. A short 15-minute Q&A session is also included.
The Home Apothecary with Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG) of Herbal Academy

​Description
Join Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe & Root Homestead in an enlightening conversation with Lindsey Feldpausch, RH(AHG) of Herbal Academy.

Lindsey will be sharing her insight and experience about herbal medicine, on topics including:
1. Why folks should consider creating a home apothecary,
2. The key ingredients or herbs for getting started,
3. Homegrown plant material vs. purchased,
4. A basic herbal recipe everyone should have on-hand,
5. Why herbal medicine carries a sometimes-controversial connotation,
6. A short question and answer session with several audience members
A Discussion on Rotational Grazing
with Dr. Temple Grandin

​Description
Join Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe & Root Homestead in a conversation about rotational grazing with Dr. Temple Grandin. In this free webinar, Dr. Grandin will share her thoughts on:
1. The necessity of rotational grazing,
2. Implementation,
3. A discussion on stocking density and appropriate animal rotation patterns,
4. A short live question and answer session with audience members.
How to Build Soil with Gabe Brown, ​author of Dirt to Soil

​Description
Join Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe & Root Homestead in a discussion with Gabe Brown, author of the inspirational resource Dirt to Soil. Gabe will be sharing his experience and insight on building soil. He will cover:

- Why sustainable soil building matters
- Gabe's five principles of soil health
- The importance of carbon within the soil ecosystem
- Whether any soil type, be it clay, sand, or mud, can really be remedied
- Gabe will answer a few audience questions at the end of the talk
Permaculture Fruit Tree Guilds with Stefan Sobkowiak

Description
Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe & Root Homestead is hosting a discussion on permaculture fruit tree guilds with the very talented and brilliant Stefan Sobkowiak from Les Miracles Fermes in Quebec. Stefan openly shares his passion for permaculture and organic orchard keeping on his well known YouTube Channel, his documentary, and throughout his speaking endeavors.

Stefan Sobkowiak will share his insight and experience with regards to:
1. How to establish a successful fruit tree guild,
2. Orchard guild successful combinations,
3. Challenges and overcoming them,
4. Whether guilds really work in all geographical growing regions,
5. A short live question and answer session with audience members

Learn at your own pace